March Care

March is probably the best month of the year in northwest Florida. Tempera-
ture as well as humidity are up but not too hot or too damp. Azaleas, quince,
crabapples and other spring blooming plants are in flower while deciduous
trees are just beginning to show green. Fine candles are sprouting on pines
at a prodigious rate but junipers are still waiting for the correct time to begin
growth. Most of your repotting should be completed while tropicals and may-
be some junipers and azaleas are left to finish off during this month.

Now is the time to increase watering frequency, begin to spray with fungicide
and make the first application of half strength fertilizer to your bonsai. Trees
and shrubs in pots may get full strength fertilizer. About the middle of March
is the last frost day - but beware! The odd cold night could still happen Most
of your trees should be back on their benches by 15 March and enjoying the
spring sunshine. Again, be careful. If a tree has spent the past couple of
months in a greenhouse or inside your home, it can sun scald rapidly if put
directly into the sunlight. Move tender plants into full sun gradually. Azaleas
will need trimming and repotting after they flower if you didn’t repot in early
spring. Pines require only to have their candles trimmed if they become too
long. Leave small, weak candles to form new branches since they develop
into small branches. Enjoy this time of year - your trees are probably at their
best.